The invention relates to a novel approach to containing and removing toxic waste
from a subsurface environment. More specifically the present invention relates
to a system for containing and removing volatile toxic chemicals from a subsurface
environment using differences in surface and subsurface pressures. The present
embodiment generally comprises a deep well, a horizontal tube, at least one injection
well, at least one extraction well and a means for containing the waste within
the waste zone (in-situ barrier). During operation the deep well air at the bottom
of well (which is at a high pressure relative to the land surface as well as relative
to the air in the contaminated soil) flows upward through the deep well (or deep
well tube). This stream of deep well air is directed into the horizontal tube,
down through the injection tube(s) (injection well(s)) and into the contaminate
plume where it enhances volatization and/or removal of the contaminants.